magneto
1 synonym for magneto, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small generator that uses a rotating magnet to produce electric current, used to fire the spark plugs in some small engines (still common on aircraft).
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
magnetoelectric machine
How to use magneto
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
magneto ignition
aircraft magneto
Etymology
A shortening of "magneto-electric machine", the original 19th-century name for the device.
Full origin of magneto →Frequently asked questions
What does “magneto” mean?
The word “magneto” means a small generator that uses a rotating magnet to produce electric current, used to fire the spark plugs in some small engines (still common on aircraft). In plain terms, a small spinning magnet-generator that makes its own electricity to fire spark plugs, without needing a battery.
How do you pronounce “magneto”?
“Magneto” is pronounced mag-NEE-toh (/maɡˈniːtəʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “magneto” in a sentence?
Here is “magneto” used in a sentence: “The old tractor still starts on a magneto rather than a battery.”
What part of speech is “magneto”?
“Magneto” is a noun.
Where does the word “magneto” come from?
The word “magneto” dates back to around 1800. A shortening of "magneto-electric machine", the original 19th-century name for the device.
